PHILADELPHIA — Andrew Bynum doesn’t display a wide spectrum of emotion — a landscape of subtle undulations is more like it.

Although he wasn’t jumping for joy Monday — that remains a banned activity per doctor’s orders — there was a distinct rise in optimism in the injured center’s words as he discussed his ailing knees following 76ers practice at PCOM.

“There’s still no timeline,” Bynum said when asked if any date had been set for returning to practice or games, “but I know I’ll be back. My knees are feeling good.”

Bynum has been doing brisk walking on the treadmill, stationary bike riding and resistance training on his knees, which have kept him out of the Sixers’ first 35 games this season. During a recent visit to the doctor he was told that as long as he continued to progress, he wouldn’t need to make a return visit.

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“It’s all a go,” Bynum said.

While the All-Star center hasn’t started full-weight running yet, he said that running and set-shooting — his first basketball activities of any kind since the start of training camp — will be the next step, one he should take in “the next couple of days.”

It’s doubtful Bynum will be on the court for the Sixers in January, but his progress does have him believing he will have enough time on the court to make a difference for the team this season. The Sixers limped home from a 2-6 road trip that dropped their record to 15-20 for the season, two games behind the Celtics (16-17) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers have been suffering immensely this season from a lack of a low-post presence. They are a minus-74 in rebounding differential and their 18 free-throw attempts per game is second-worst in the NBA.

“I know what kind of a player I am, and that I can come back and play this game effectively,” Bynum said. “I see where I can help the team, and that’s what I’m going to do. Rebounding clearly is tough for us, and that’s something I do very well. And we need to play a little out of the low post to take some pressure off Jrue (Holiday) and Evan (Turner).”

Bynum said even though he has been but a rumor on the court this season, he and Holiday have become close. Holiday has been having a stellar season in his fourth year as the Sixers’ point guard, but he would much prefer to share some of the team-leadership responsibilities with Bynum.

“One, I think he’s one of the smartest basketball big men I’ve ever talked to,” Holiday said. “Obviously, I think they see the game a lot differently than I do. Coming off screens on offense or on defense, to hear what a (center) thinks ... so I can make a read is big for me.

“I didn’t know him that well before, but (getting to know him) has been good for me.”

The return from the long road trip and the progress Bynum made while the team was away seemed to change the climate. Before the Sixers couldn’t even allow themselves to picture Bynum on the court. Monday, the anticipation started to creep into the conversation.

“Defensively, we would have more of a presence with him down there, having someone down there to alter shots,” Holiday said of a potential Bynum return. “He can play any big one-on-one. Offensively, he’s one of the most skilled big men in the league, so those extra points, extra free throws, the easy buckets would be big ... but you never know until he gets out there.”

Even Doug Collins, who had struggled to keep his team in playoff contention while Bynum’s knees seemed destined to never allow him to put on a Sixers uniform, allowed a little optimistic anticipation to seep into his sentences Monday.

“Until we see him on the floor, no setbacks, I don’t want to start taking my mind to that spot,” Collins said. “Would it be great to have him back? Oh yeah. That would be a great gift.

“I’m sensing in him a better energy. I think he feels better about where he’s headed right now. I think he’s starting to sense that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

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NOTES: Arnett Moultrie returned to the Sixers Monday after averaging 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in seven games with Sioux City in the NBA D-League, including 12 points and 10 boards in his last game Friday night. “It was a learning experience,” the rookie forward said. “No matter how much extra conditioning I do, that’s still not game-ready shape. I just tried to take the opportunity and play hard.” ... Collins said Villanova point guard Maalik Wayns, who was released Sunday, had to go so the Sixers could have payroll flexibility as they seek a veteran to provide minutes behind Holiday at the point. “We brought him in here to be a third point guard,” Collins said. “But with Royal (Ivey) being hurt we need to see if we can find another guy who has more experience, play pick-and-roll, when Jrue is off the floor. Because we really take a hit (when Holiday is on the bench).” ... Kwame Brown wasn’t at practice as he returned home to tend to a personal matter. It’s unclear whether the center will be in uniform Tuesday when the Sixers host the Nets.